DOE predicts increase in BIPV

The U.S. Dept. of Energy believes that building-integrated photovoltaics may soon account for about 50% of the country's energy

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

06/19/2009

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Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) may soon be powering businesses across the country, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE).

The DOE estimates that BIPV may be able to one day generate half of the electrical needs in the U.S., potentially making solar energy cost-competitive with grid electricity by 2015. The estimates are based on research the department is doing in three categories: prototype design; system development; and new devices.

Currently, BIPV electricity is more expensive than its utility grid counterpart. However, the DOE stated that future demand for photovoltaics may potentially lower costs; allowing it to play a major role in the nation's energy supply.

For more information on see the DOE's website for info on how they work,why they're important, and the ways they can be used.